Enhancing flexural behavior and ductility of fixed-end RC beams using high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HPFRCC) with steel fibers on two fixed-end beams. Eight beams with identical sections were tested: two reference specimens and six reinforced with 1% or 2% steel fibers, with varied stirrup spacing near the beam ends. Results showed that fiber addition and stirrup adjustments markedly improved ductility and energy absorption. With 1% fibers, ductility nearly doubled, while 2% fibers more than doubled load capacity and tripled energy ductility. Adjusting loading points further enhanced strength and ductility. Overall, HPFRCC beams absorbed about 12% more energy than conventional concrete and extended the plastic hinge zone by nearly 50%.